As humans continue to evolve, the tools we use continue to evolve with us. Today, we rely heavily on computers to ensure we are able to perform our everyday tasks. From embedded computers within our household that we don't even realize are there to supercomputers that execute trillions of instructions per second to solve some of the most complex scientific questions (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019), computers are indeed the core of our existence in the modern world. However, when it comes down to it, we are only at the starting line for what computers can truly accomplish. Every day, we are finding new ways to revolutionize the computer science and information technology industry.
On February 19th, 2025, Microsoft announced a breakthrough in the sector of Quantum Computing, unveiling the Majorana 1. The chip utilizes the world's first topological superconductor (topoconductor), combining a semiconductor (indium) and superconductor (aluminum), which created an entirely new state of matter (Microsoft's Majorana 1 Chip Carves New Path for Quantum Computing - Source, 2025).
"We are at the cusp of the Quantum Age, and Majorana One is just the beginning." - Krysta Svore, Microsoft Fellow
To truly understand what kind of breakthrough this is, we must first cover some quantum computing basics. Classical computers rely on bits of information, similar to an on-and-off switch, using ones and zeros to process instructions. Quantum computers, on the other hand, utilize qubits (quantum bits) that can be both a one and a zero simultaneously (Schneider & Smalley, 2024). Qubits allow computers to process information in a way that is not only faster but also completely different from a classical computer. Schneider and Smalley (2024) compare classical and quantum computer's ways of thinking by putting them in a maze situation; while a classical computer has to take every path and memorize the mistakes made along the way to find the finish line, a quantum computer can find the best path using "probability amplitudes" which function like overlapping waves to narrow down the solution.
Though qubits offer a much more efficient way to process data, they are still highly susceptible to errors that can cause information to be lost (Microsoft's Majorana 1 Chip Carves New Path for Quantum Computing - Source, 2025). By utilizing a topoconductor within their quantum processing unit (QPU), Microsoft was able to create smaller, faster, more controllable, and more stable qubits, reducing the errors in the information. With this architecture, the Majorana 1 chip that currently houses eight topological qubits will be able to fit millions of qubits, all while being no larger than the palm of your hand.
Like any processing unit, QPUs can't work on their own; they rely on an "ecosystem" of cooling systems to keep temperatures near absolute zero and written software stacks using quantum programming languages such as IBM's Python-based Qiskit (Schneider & Smalley, 2024). Partnered with AI, these systems will be able to observe our universe in ways that we have only theorized about until now. Quantum computing with the Majorana 1 Chip will allow for groundbreaking discoveries within the world of computer science. Creating "accurate models of nature" to observe, manipulate, and create new processes that can solve some of the world's most significant problems.
We can assume that advancements in quantum computing will also be advancements in data management, analysis, and security. Retrieving and storing data will be much quicker, with little error. Microsoft's cloud network, Azure, has already incorporated quantum technology into its architecture (Microsoft's Majorana 1 Chip Carves New Path for Quantum Computing - Source, 2025). However, securing the data will require much more work. Since data can be processed at speeds that have yet to be truly seen, cryptography systems will have to advance as well. The popular encryption software we currently use, such as RSA, could become obsolete, as quantum computing would have the ability to easily crack the code, leading to disruptions in the cybersecurity industries. IBM has already begun developing quantum-safe cyber security technology to ensure corporations are safe while we move into the quantum age (Quantum Safe Transformation Services | IBM, n.d.).
Since this announcement, I have been so intrigued. Though it is still in the very early stages, we are watching computer history be made. It's exciting, and as someone who does not have many to share this excitement within my personal life, I hope you all can appreciate these advancements as much as I do. The video below does a great job of explaining just how mind-blowing and
beautiful this technology is. I highly recommend watching it, as I’ve only been
able to scratch the surface myself.
Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip carves new path for quantum
computing - Source. (2025, February 19). Source. https://news.microsoft.com/source/features/innovation/microsofts-majorana-1-chip-carves-new-path-for-quantum-computing/
Microsoft. (2025, February 19). Majorana 1
explained: The path to a million qubits [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSHmygPQukQ
Schneider, J., & Smalley, I. (2024, August 5). What is
quantum computing? IBM Blog. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/quantum-computing
Quantum Safe Transformation Services | IBM. (n.d.). https://www.ibm.com/services/quantum-safe
Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing technology for all. zyBooks.
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